The facility is dedicated to producing Echion’s XNO technology
Niobium producer CBMM has inaugurated its volume manufacturing facility dedicated to producing Echion technologies ultra-fast charging XNO active anode material technology. The plant, located in Araxa, Brazil, is claimed to be the largest Niobium-based anode production facility in the world.
Up to 2,000 tons per year of XNO can be produced, equivalent to 1GWh of lithium-ion cells. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by CBMM, government representatives, Echion, and journalists. It marked a major moment in the partnership between CBMM and Echion.
Jean de La Verpilliere, CEO of Echion Technologies, said: “The opening of this production plant creates robust supply capacity to meet the significant commercial demand we have for XNO. XNO is already having a positive impact on our cell manufacturing customers, downstream OEMs, and end-users. Echion is beginning to trade at scale, and that is a major milestone for company growth. I would like to thank CBMM for their ongoing partnership with Echion to bring XNO to mass production.”
Li-ion batteries are able to charge ultra-fast due to Echion’s Niobium-based anode material XNO. This material can charge safely, maintain high energy densities at high temperatures, and deliver high power throughout its 10,000 life cycles. XNO is specifically engineered to allow the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles to operate with high productivity and low ownership costs.
CBMM wants to attain 30% of its revenue from non-steel-based products by 2030, leading to the company investing R$250 million a year in its technology programs. CBMM is aiming to reach a capacity of 20,000 tons of niobium oxide by 2030 for batteries.
Ricardo Lima, CEO of CBMM, said: “At CBMM, we anticipate significant growth in the battery sector in the coming years. Therefore, we are proud to celebrate the fruits of this partnership, which reinforces our sustainability plan and aligns with global trends toward decarbonisation and the promotion of electrification. This inauguration is a milestone in our history, enabling CBMM to keep transforming science into technology, and technology into business.”
